A/N: I'm still being an asshole, just you wait. You don't realize it yet, but you will later. Hope you enjoyed the last chapter. I did :D Plot and stuff happened. Mustaches were epic. People did things, ya know. Like they do. I hope those of you who celebrate Christmas had a great one. Those who don't, I hope you had a wonderful day all the same. And, I apologize if the updates come slower. I broke my hand about 2 weeks ago... It hurts still, and its hard to type like this. Hahaha~ Oh well!
After another War meeting, Mina felt like she could eat a whole druffalo. It was lunch time and the main hall of Skyhold was bustling with people. It had finally started to look decent by Josephine's standards, so nobles and guests had started arriving. Mina wanted to know just where they were staying.
She sat down next to Sera and Bull, not fully herself inside. Outside, she had to be the same as ever. The strong, confident Inquisitor. On the inside, she was broken, sad, confused, and angry. Sitting in her room moping around wouldn't get her anywhere, and neither did drowning her sorrow in booze. She could swear she felt the moment Ceras' heart stopped beating. She almost started to cry again, but Hawke held her tight. Luckily it had happened before the war meeting.
"Sooo~ the Quizzy's got a new toy!" Sera giggled.
Bull grinned and nudged Mina with his elbow, "I heard it too!"
Mina raised her eyebrows and tried to hide a blush, "You heard?"
"Boss, I think everyone in Skyhold heard you two," Bull said still grinning, "It sounded really good, too!"
Sera cackled and made a thrusting motion with her hands, "I'm surprised you're walkin about like ya are. All proud 'n stuff! I think it went on for at least an hour!"
Mina got a devilish look on her face. She was going to try and embarrass her lover, "Yeah, the first time did."
"What? There was more?!" Bull said excitedly.
"Yeah. He made love to me in the bath this morning too," she said truthfully.
"The guy knows how to use it. I'll give him that. I bet he's not that big," Bull almost pouted.
Mina giggled and winked at Sera who made a disgusted face. She wanted to know just as much as she didn't want to know.
"Actually, he's about—" Mina was cut off by Garrett.
"That's enough talking about my penis," he mock-scolded.
He gave Mina quick kiss before plopping down beside her and eating a piece of bacon. Mina broke off part of it and shoved it into her mouth. He narrowed his eyes at her playfully and poked her side. She yelped and jumped. She forgot that he knew she was stupidly ticklish.
"Ewww. Look at you bein all cute. I think I'm gonna barf or something!" Sera said.
Bull laughed and kept eating.
One by one, others of her inner circle started showing up. First was Varric, then Dorian, Cole, Solas, Blackwall, and even Cassandra. Vivienne didn't eat with the others. It was a 'filthy place to eat' and she didn't like how disgusting people were when they ate. No one else really seemed to mind. Meals were usually filled with laughter and strange discussions. The conversation went from Rivaini trade routes to Mina wanting a Mabari pup, Sera making up names for Corypheus, and somehow circled back around to Hawke's nether regions. The last topic got silenced quickly by Hawke and Solas. Mina had howled with laughter at what some of the others had to say. Blackwall had quipped that he wasn't surprised at Hawke because he'd probably had a lot of practice at the 'Blooming Rose'. Dorian was upset that he hadn't gotten to 'try him out' first.
"Alright everyone! Listen up," Mina called trying to get everyone to shut up a moment, "So, there's going to be a ball at the winter palace."
Sera giggled at the word 'ball'. Everyone else except Cole made a sour face. No one liked Orlesian balls.
"Yeah, yeah I know. Not everyone has to go, but I am taking a few of you. Sera, you're not going. I'm not going to let you Red Jenny the entirety of the Orlesian noble houses and the Empress herself. Garrett, you're going whether you want to or not. Also, Cass, Josie and the rest decided you're going as an advisor anyway."
Sera stuck her tongue out and Garrett groaned while Cassandra nodded dutifully. This was going to be fun. She had no idea who to take because she'd be judged harshly no matter what just because she was an Elf. It would be fun to take Dorian. Bull would hate it, but he'd be a great set of eyes to scope the place out. Cole wouldn't be seen by anyone because of the weird thing he did. No one would remember him, so he could get to places Mina couldn't. Solas, on the other hand, might be a good choice because he could go by almost unnoticed simply because he was an Elf. Blackwall would get a good reception because he was a Warden and because he was a good looking man. That would score her some points with the court. Sera was just no. She wouldn't let Sera near Halamshiral. Varric was a renowned storyteller, so he might get her some points with the court as well as smooth talk some information out of people. Vivienne didn't eat with them, so she didn't get to go.
"Alright. For the sake of I don't give a damn what the nobles think of me, I'm taking Bull, Dorian, and Cole," Mina decided.
It was the night of the ball, a week later, and everyone was getting ready. Mina had fought tooth and nail to be able to pick out her own attire. Josephine and Leliana had insisted they pick it out, but Mina finally won. She and Dorian had gone out shopping in the best places in that area of Orlais. He was a little upset at first that they didn't have time to go to Val Royeaux, but Mina had shown him a few dresses she liked. He quickly got over his disappointment. In the end, they'd agreed on one that would make all the Orliesians' jaws drop. They would whisper about how scandalous it was, but they would all agree Mina looked good.
She smiled at her reflection in the mirror. She felt like a goddess. They'd done up her hair in short pin-curls, small blue gems glittered from each pin that held up her hair. Her dress was white with a lace top that looked like it was see-through, but the lining underneath was the same color as her skin. The left side was long with some flowy material. The right side had a slit in it and showed off the shorter skirt underneath that had some lace in the shape of leaves. She was also wearing delicate heels that crisscrossed over her feet. She'd taken 'lessons' from Josephine and Vivienne the entire week before. She liked to think she wasn't half bad in them. At least she didn't walk like a baby deer anymore.
The rest of the party wore these godawful uniforms that had a red jacket with a blue sash, gold buttons, and black trousers. The only ones who liked them were Cullen and Cassandra.
Dorian slipped into her room to check on her as she checked her makeup for the hundredth time. His breath caught in his throat as he looked at her. "My goodness, you look stunning! I would say not as stunning as me, but you've seen what I have to wear," he said with a smile.
Mina grinned at him, the excitement showing in her eyes, "I feel spectacular, Dori. I'm sorry we didn't get a say in what you guys got to wear, but at least you aren't wearing Solas' robes."
Dorian scoffed and made a face, "I would not be here if that was the attire. I don't do Hobo apostate well. No one does."
Mina laughed and took his arm she was almost as tall as he was in heels. Her stomach fluttered with anticipation. Whatever was before her, she was going to make the best of it.
'Look, Ceras, I'm a princess. I wish you could be here with me, sister,' she thought sadly. She knew that if her sister were there, they would've both dressed up in similar dresses and confused everyone. What a pair they would've made! For a moment her smile faltered. Dorian caught it, of course, and stopped at the top of the stairs.
"What's the matter? Thinking of all the Orlesians that will be looking down their nose at you? Don't worry about them. They're going to be jealous," he encouraged.
"Heh. I wish that was all… I'm thinking about my sister, Ceras. She would've hated this, but she'd be better at it than me. I wish she could've been here," Mina admitted.
Her faithful friend gave her a hug and lifted her chin slightly, "Chin up, darling. Strut your stuff for Ceras. I'm sure she would be more than proud of you. You'll do a divine job of fixing their mess. You fix everyone's messes."
Mina smiled again and took a steadying breath. Without another word, they descended to the ground floor where the rest of their party was waiting. Grand Duke Gaspard, who was attending to settle the civil war, had let them stay in his estate for a couple of days.
As she came into sight, she heard audible gasps and people 'ooh-ing'. Josephine approached them and squealed with delight.
"That is most acceptable, Lady Inquisitor. I am impressed. A little revealing, but wonderful even so. If you'll excuse me, I have to get the carriages ready," she said.
Cullen and Leliana were next to see her. "You look great, Inquisitor. Orlais looks good on you," Leliana said with a wink. Cullen was awkward and blushing. Mina didn't know how he was going to survive the ball.
"You… you look amazing. I'm sure they'll love you. We're here for you Lady Lavellan," he managed to get out before taking his leave with Leliana.
Hawke took Dorian's place beside her. His dark hair was slicked back; completely different from the halfhearted way he groomed it usually. She liked his messy hair, but this was very charming on him. He squirmed in his uniform, but the sight of Mina made him smile that half smile she couldn't get enough of.
"You've heard this a dozen times already, I'm sure, but… wow. You look absolutely gorgeous. You should wear dresses more often. No, wait. Don't. I don't want to constantly have to fight off men," he said leading her towards a waiting carriage.
Mina giggled and kissed his cheek, "You clean up pretty well, yourself. Too bad that uniform ruins it."
"I know! I could've gotten away with wearing my Champion armor!" he said in annoyance.
Mina rolled her eyes and slid into her seat. Josephine and Leliana were waiting for them.
"You could not have. It's not formal enough, love. Josie would've skinned you alive if you tried to wear it," Mina argued.
Hawke flashed a smile at the ambassador who was nodding in agreement.
Mina talked with several of the nobles before entering the ballroom to be announced. She had warned her friends to behave themselves.
The announcer called out each of them, Grand Duke first.
"And accompanying him, Lady Inquisitor Lavellan! Shepard and leash of the wayward Templars! Purger of heretic from the ranks of the faithful! Champion of the Blessed Andraste herself. " Mina almost growled. He'd said her Clan name wrong. She kept the smile on her face and curtsied to the Empress who stood on the balcony on the opposite side of the room. As predicted, people had started whispering about her dress. They weren't as quiet as they thought.
"Accompanying the Inquisitor, Seeker Cassandra Allegra Portia Calogera Filomena—"
"Ugh. Just get on with it," snapped Cassandra.
Mina almost burst out laughing but kept walking forward, slowly.
"—Pentaghast, fourteenth cousin to the King of Nevarra, nine times removed. Hero of Orlais, Right Hand of the Divine."
"Lord Dorian Pavus, member of the Circle of Vyrantium, son of Lord Magister Halward Pavus of Asariel."
"The Iron Bull, Leader of the famed Mercenary company Bull's Chargers. As the name might imply."
"Ser Cullen Stanton Rutherford of Honnleath, Commander of the Forces of the Inquisition, Former Knight-Commander of Kirkwall."
"Lady Leliana, Nightingale of the Imperial Court, veteran of the Fifth Blight, Seneschal of the Inquisition and Left Hand of the Divine."
"Lady Josephine Charette Montilyet of Antiva City, Ambassador of the Inquisition."
"And Ser Garrett Hawke, Champion of Kirkwall, explorer of the Deep Roads, and mediator of the Kirkwall Templars and Mages."
More whispers and gasps accompanied the announcement that the famed Champion of Kirkwall was with them.
They had finally made it to the other side of the room where the Empress stood with another woman. Mina noticed how everyone except the Inquisition was wearing masks.
'How fitting. We're the only ones with no ulterior motives,' she thought angrily.
The Grand Duke addressed the women, "Cousin. My dear sister."
The Empress smiled and welcomed him, "Grand Duke. We are always honored when your presence graces our court."
Celene was a woman most likely in her early forties. She was incredibly pale and wore a golden mask, an immaculate blue and black dress, with what looked like sun rays made of gold behind her. She seemed ok for an Orlesian. There was definitely something she wanted just by the forced smile on her face. The woman that stood beside the Empress, however… she looked at least 45 years old and bitter. She was just as pale as Celene but had an aura around her that made Mina tense up.
"Don't waste my time with pleasantries, Celene. We have business to conclude," Gaspard retorted.
Celene kept that smile on her face and soothed her 'cousin', "We will meet for the negotiations after we have seen to our other guests."
He bowed in an exaggerated manner and excused himself.
"Lady Inquisitor, we welcome you to the Winter Palace," the Empress said to Mina, kindly, "Allow us to present our cousin, the Grand Duchess of Lydes, without whom this gathering would never have been possible."
The Grand Duchess examined the Inquisitor, sizing her up before speaking, "What an unexpected pleasure. I was not aware the Inquisition would be part of our festivities. We will certainly speak later, Inquisitor." She nodded respectfully and walked towards the balcony behind her.
The Empress continued to speak, "Your arrival at court is like a cool wind on a summer's day."
Mina smiled at the Empress, "I am delighted to be here, your Majesty."
"We have heard much of your exploits, Inquisitor. They have made grand tales for long evenings. How do you find Halamshiral?"
"Oh, your Majesty, I have never seen anything to equal the Winter Palace! It is simply beautiful."
"We hope you will find time to take in some of its beauties. Feel free to enjoy the pleasantries of the ballroom, Lady Inquisitor. We look forward to watching you dance."
Mina curtsied once more and led her party off of the dance floor. Leliana was waiting for her.
"Inquisitor, a word when you have a moment."
Mina nodded and watched the others in her party disperse. She followed Leliana out to the vestibule to see what was going on.
"What did the Duke say?" Leliana asked quietly.
Mina sighed and thought back to her talk with him earlier. He'd told her of another party involved. An Elven party. The leader was a woman who called herself Ambassador Briala. Mina wasn't so sure about any of them. Politics wasn't her strong suit. Fighting and helping people were. Unfortunately, that was entwined with politics at that moment.
"He points the finger at Ambassador Briala," she said doubtfully.
Leliana agreed with Mina's silent thought, "The Ambassador is up to something, but she can't be our focus. The best place to strike at Celene is from her side."
The Spymaster led Mina to a bench away from most of the other guests and looked around, "Empress Celene is fascinated by mysticism—foreseeing the future, speaking with the dead, that sort of rubbish. She has an 'Occult Advisor'. An apostate who charmed the Empress and key members of the court as if by magic."
Mina saw the anger in Leliana's eyes. The Nightingale usually didn't let her emotions show, but Mina had a feeling that this was something from before the Inquisition. Something had happened to make her feel that anger once more.
"I've had dealings with her in the past. She is ruthless and capable of anything."
"Hmm… That sounds exactly like the person we're looking for. I'll keep an eye out and let you know if I see her."
"She's worth investigating. Can't be sure of anything here. Both leads point toward the guest wing. It's a promising place to start. I'll coordinate with our spies to see if I can find anything better. I will be in the ballroom if you need me."
The Winter Palace stressed Mina out more than any battle she'd fought. There were secrets to gather, random Halla statues that opened doors, blood trails to follow, trellises to climb, Venatori agents to kill, and everyone had a hidden agenda. And, the night wasn't over just yet.
Mina hurried back towards the ballroom as the bells chimed for the first time.
"Time to go," she muttered to herself. She had talked to just about everyone of importance, trying to gain favor with them in hopes she could get information out of them. Mostly, it was just gossip and things Leliana would use as blackmail.
Right before she reached to push open the doors to the ballroom, a voice caught her attention.
"Well, well, what have we here?" the voice was feminine and sultry. A bell rang in Mina's head that she knew who it was, but couldn't put her finger on it.
She turned around to see one of the least expected sights in all of Thedas. It was Morrigan. She'd been a companion to the Warden during the Blight. Was that who Leliana was talking about?!
'Well, fuck,' Mina thought.
"The leader of the new Inquisition, fabled Herald of the faith. Delivered from the grasp of the Fade by Blessed Andraste Herself. What could bring such an exalted creature to the Imperial court I wonder? Do even you know?"
Mina smirked, her mouth getting the better of her, "It's surely a mystery for the ages. There are a lot of mysteries around this place, it would seem." She pointedly looked at Morrigan.
Morrigan narrowed her eyes, "Such intrigues obscure much, but not all. I am Morrigan. Some call me advisor to Empress Celene on matters of the Arcane."
They walked away from the crown entering the ballroom as the second bell rang.
"You… have been very busy this evening, hunting in every dark corner of the palace. Perhaps you and I hunt the same prey?"
Mina felt a few tense muscles relax. If Morrigan was on her side, that would make things considerably easier. She had no wish to tangle with the witch.
"I hope so, Lady Morrigan. I have found that allies are extremely hard to come by in a place such as this," she admitted.
It was Morrigan's turn to smirk, "A sentiment I share, considering recent events."
"Recent events?"
"Recently I found, and killed, an unwelcome guest within these very halls. An agent of Tevinter. So I offer you this, Inquisitor: a key found on the Tevinter's body. Where it leads, I cannot say. Yet if Celene is in danger, I cannot leave her side long enough to search. You can."
The third bell rang.
"I may find the time to try a door or two… Or ten."
"Proceed with caution, Inquisitor. Enemies about, and not all of them aligned with Tevinter. What comes next will be most exciting."
Mina watched the mysterious mage woman walk away. It was time to enter the ballroom.
After checking up with everyone again, Mina had them strategically meet her in the, now unlocked, Servant's quarter's. Hawke was the first to arrive.
"Hello there, my princess. You've been running to and fro. Are we going to get a chance to dance tonight?" he said playfully wrapping his arms around her waist.
Mina gave him a look of annoyance but kissed his nose.
"I would love to dance with you—not that I know how. I don't think tonight would be a good time."
"And why not?!" asked an outraged Dorian, "We never get to go to balls! You need to enjoy yourself."
Bull chuckled as he walked in, "He said 'balls'."
"I tried to help. No one is right. This is a hard place to think," Cole said.
Mina sighed and pulled herself away from Hawke, "Now that we're all here, let's figure out what's going on."
After finding a dead nobleman in the courtyard, they cut their way through Venatori agents to try and hunt down a peculiarly dressed rogue. Things were getting even more distressing. The knife in the nobleman had had the Chalons crest on it.
They'd finally caught up to the harlequin and put it down when another joined them. It was 'Ambassador' Briala. She rubbed Mina the wrong way with how haughtily she talked and how she presumed to know what Mina was like. The Elf was full of backhanded compliments. The Inquisitor had to keep herself from setting the Ambassador's dress on fire as she leaped from the roof, back to the party.
"I want to stab her," Mina growled.
"Not yet," Hawke said with a smile.
She'd taken great care not to get her dress dirty or mess her hair up, but it was one or the other when she ended up having to fight. Her hair took a bit of a fall. It still looked alright, but some of the curls were starting to come out. Josephine was in a panic until Mina explained what had happened.
Once again the bells started tolling to signal it was time for some other part of the ball. Mina sighed and entered the ballroom with her advisors who were worrying like hens.
As soon as she walked in, Grand Duchess Florianne wanted a moment to talk. Of course she did. Right when Mina was about to go talk to Gaspard and Celene about what she had found. Of course, she wasn't going to blatantly say it, but she was hoping to catch someone slip.
Mina inwardly hissed at the Grand Duchess, but politely took her up on the offer to dance. She knew Hawke would get jealous, so that was a plus. He was adorable when he got jealous.
As it turned out, the Duchess had some information to give. And blame to place on her brother. Mina wasn't so sure about this information, but the Royal Wing was a good place to search. It turned out to be a trap set by the Grand Duchess. She was the one who had been in league with the Venatori. She'd wanted to get rid of Gaspard and Celene in one foul swoop. That had been why she'd planted the dagger on the Council's Emissary.
They'd chased her out to the gardens and killed her after a long, drawn out fight with other Venatori. Mina's barely healed leg suffered some injuries as did other parts of her body. The others had a few cuts and bruises that the healing potions didn't fix. Mina had saved Orlais and stopped the Civil War. She had once again, cleaned up a mess she shouldn't have been involved in in the first place. Such was the fate of the Inquisitor. Her temper had been hot because of all of the corruption and stupidity that was the Orlesian court. Because of that, she had grilled Empress Celene and Grand Duke Gaspard both, calling them petty children. Mina told them that if they'd have been working together, it would've been less likely that Florianne would've had the chance to tear the country apart and feed it to Corypheus.
They were, of course, shocked at Mina's bluntness, but took it in stride and decided to work together to rule the Empire. Celene would remain the Empress, but Gaspard had a large part in what was decided. Mina had no doubt that it would be tough at first, and they would have heated arguments at times, but it would probably be better in the long run if they cooperated. Briala was none too pleased by the decision reached. She accepted it but demanded that the Elves be treated better in Orlais. Mina agreed with her and supported the request. The joint rulers nodded before going to make their pretty speeches.
The balcony just outside the ballroom was deserted. Everyone was dancing or getting drunk off their ass. Everyone except the Inquisitor. She rather liked the quiet and cool breeze. She could see the stars. Not as well as she could in Skyhold, but it was still peaceful. Morrigan had told her that Celene insisted she help the Inquisition. Mina welcomed her happily and bid her welcome. Skyhold was always open for those who wished to help.
"You're not going to drink with Bull?" Hawke asked as he leaned on the railing beside her.
"No. I don't really feel like it," Mina admitted.
"They're celebrating because if you. A war stopped because of you. I think you've earned a bit or reprieve, Mina," he murmured.
Mina smiled at him and took his hand in hers. She agreed with him to a point, but her job was far from over. Plus, just being away from the madness of the Winter Palace helped to ease her mounting stress.
"Do you want to dance, Garrett?" she asked. Her dress was almost completely ruined, and her hair was a mess after the fight. Leliana insisted they get another commissioned for her. Mina didn't have the energy to argue.
Hawke frowned, "The band just played their last song."
Mina smiled and shook her head, "That shouldn't be a problem. I'll play a song for us. Just one though, I'm so exhausted."
"I'll carry you to bed, love. Play me a song from your world?"
"Thank you… Of course I will. Wouldn't have it any other way."
Mina took a deep breath and thought about what song he'd like. Frank Sinatra came to mind.
'Always' she thought and willed the song to play. She didn't sing it this time. Instead, she thought his voice into reality. It wasn't exact, but it was perfect as she swayed and twirled into Hawke's arms.
She had eyes only for her Champion. However, if she had looked to the doorway for just a moment, she would've seen a blond Templar with brown puppy eyes staring daggers into the man she was dancing with. She would've seen the way he looked at her longingly.